How can I REDUCE my RUN TIME????

Question

It takes me between 18 and 19 minutes to run a mile and a half without killing myself. I would like to be able to run 2 miles in 20 minutes. What can I do to build stamina, while at the same time reducing my time. I can only squeeze in 3 days at most per week to run, so any program that involves more time than that won't work for me...

Answer 1

???? I can jog a mile in 7 to 8 minutes without any training.

Basketball and football teams increase stamina by making players sprint from one end of the court or field to the other until they wear out.  Just try sprinting a lot until you can't go any more. Don't kill yourself though.

Answer 2

To reduce your run time, you have to increase both endurance and speed.

For speed, try doing a Fartlek for one or two days, and a long jog for that last day.

I know I'm really vague here, but the only way to know how far or fast to run is to try it for yourself. After a little while, you'll feel your limits and safe zones.

At this point, it's good to push yourself. If you feel tired just because you're lazy, find the motivation to keep running. If you feel really tired or some kind of pain [that's more than just a slight nuisance], you'd better walk and maybe drink water.

Be sure to stretch. Watch your diet and stick with healthy foods, because you will need <b>useful</b> energy. And please, don't forget to stay properly hydrated with water or a sports drink.

On a final note: your journey to increasing your time should feel like a challenge, not a punishment. Don't kill yourself.  

Answer 3

How to reduce your run time is how to increase your time. Speed is also stamina. 3 days a week is enough .First you must increase the running distance in these 3 days apportionally to build your stamina.

Then run at a shorter  distance  of  1 mile or more in faster pace until timing is at 2 miles in 20min within a month ( if you are not really old)

Answer 4

just keep running, keep pushing yourself, push push push push push, you won't get anywhere if you don't push yourself, break your big goal down into small more managable goals so you can see that you HAVE improved which will keep your motivation up to keep going.

eg.  your first goal might be to run 1 and a half miles in 17 minutes, then 16 then 15, etc.  when you get down to about 15mins you might try and run the full 2 miles and see how long that takes you.  if it takes you 22mins then make your next goal 21mins, etc.

You won't get anywhere if you just stand there looking at what seems like a impossible feat.  Break it down into smaller more managable feats.

and the most important thing to remember is YOU CAN DO IT! and IF ITS TO BE, ITS UP TO ME!